One of the top R&B records of 1952, a tribute to that legendary
woman who "went up to Alaska just to melt the snow", "Mary Jo"
provided a moment in the national spotlight for one of Chicago's
hottest vocal combos. The single was released in April of '52 and
entered the national charts in the middle of July. It moved rapidly
to the top, displacing Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" as the #1 R&B
song in the nation at the end of August. Born in the waning years of
the Depression, The Four Blazes brought vitality and showmanship to
the early years of R&B. Bassist Tommy Braden was the main lead singer
while all members provided backup harmony vocals. "Jelly" Holt was
the founder and drummer in the group, while Floyd McDaniel and
"Shorty" Hill played guitars. (Floyd stayed active in music
throughout his life including the 1991 album Let
Your Hair Down! and the 1994 recording West
Side Baby.) With special guest Eddie Chamblee on tenor sax.

Reaction Report:

"The Chicago based quartet the Four Blazes had one of the hottest
sounds of 1952, bursting onto the charts with 'Mary Jo,' a tight
vocal/instrumental combo number that replaced Lloyd Price's 'Lawdy
Miss Clawdy' at the top.

"Mary Jo, the 9th trip into the United vaults for Delmark,
features the complete United recordings of the Blazes, founded in
1940 by drummer Paul 'Jelly' Holt, a regular in the Chicago
after-hours jam sessions that combined the best Chicago had to offer
with the best of the national touring acts that were in town.

"Holt gathered together Shorty Hill, Floyd McDaniel and Prentice
Butler to form the Four Blazes. All crack players, the group rocked
with the 'hot jive' sound popular in the day. Guitarists Hill and
McDaniel were multi-instrumentalists who added variety to the band's
sound and all fourmembers sang harmony. In '45 they added Pittsburgh
pianist Ernie Harper and in '47 recorded for Aristocrat as the Five
Blazes. After the death of bassist Prentice Butler in '50, the band
shuffled again, dropping the piano and bringing in bassist and lead
vocalist Tommy Braden.

"...Fabulous guitar work from McDaniel and Hill delivers the
music's drive while the tenor sax of guest Eddie Chamblee gives it
its hop. Highlights include "Perfect Woman" ("She's built like a
Coca-Cola bottle from her head down to her toes"), "Not Any More
Tears" and "Please Send Her Back to Me," while smooth harmony numbers
like "Mood Indigo" and "My Great Love Affair" slide along like skates
on ice.

"Great music, great grooves and excellent production. If you have
any interest in early '50's R&B, don't miss this one."